When You Just Can’t Win
Pastor Steven Furtick
Sermon Highlights
Even when it looks like you’ve been dismantled, a pin is always possible.
When it’s God’s battle, the math doesn’t matter.
When you feel like you can’t win:
Remember (reflect on God's past provision)
Resist (put on the armor of God)
Remain (stay connected to Jesus)
You’re tempted to forget where you’re winning because of where you feel weak. List your wins.
You have no strength for the enemy in front of you because you forgot to give God praise for the things behind you.
Don’t cut down what God is growing because you are too impatient to see what it will be.
When I feel surrounded by the enemy, I have an opportunity to become more connected to the vine.
Some things happening in your life that feel like failure are actually for your future.
Scriptures
Deuteronomy 20:1 - God will be with you when you face your enemies.
Ephesians 6:13 - Put on the armor of God.
Deuteronomy 20:19-20 - Don’t cut down the fruit trees.
John 15:4 - The branch must remain in the vine.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Pastor Steven talked about how not everyone understands wrestling when they first watch it. What’s something you enjoy watching or doing that others may find confusing to watch? (a sport, hobby, video/board game, routine, etc.)
Discussion Questions
“You have no strength for the enemy in front of you because you forgot to give God praise for the things behind you.” How are you going to practically remind yourself of what God did in a past battle to give yourself strength for a current one?
“You’re tempted to forget where you’re winning because of where you currently feel weak. List your wins.” Share some wins that can help you keep standing.
Additional Questions
“Don’t cut down what God is growing because you are too impatient to see what it will be.” What is something God is telling you not to chop down in this season? How might it bear fruit later?
“If you show up enough, you will be enough when you show up.” Share about a time you didn’t feel like enough at first but got the strength you needed along the way as you kept showing up.
Prayer Prompt
Ask this question to your eGroup and include it as part of your closing prayer:
Pastor Steven taught us: “Some of the things happening in your life that feel like failure are actually for your future.”
Ask your eGroup, what in your life currently feels like a failure but could be for your future? Pray that your eGroup members will surrender these areas over to God, and that they will find comfort and strength in God’s presence. Pray God will use these weak areas in their lives as preparation for a future blessing.